Next generation consumer telecommunications network

ABSTRACT

A telecommunications network for a high-rise Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) is provided. In the telecommunications network eliminates much of the wiring and space required for voice, video and data services, electrical closets, security cameras, building automation, fire annunciation systems, hard-wired smoke detectors, hard-wired heat detectors, electrical meters through the use of an integrated Ethernet communication system. Additionally, a video program guide (VPG) is provided that allows a user to interact with multiple streams of video in real time. The VPG includes techniques for displaying multiple streams of data on a single screen for a user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/556,854, filed Mar. 26, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an advanced consumertelecommunications network for implementation in a Multi-Dwelling Unit(MDU). More particularly, the present invention relates to retrofittingor installing specialized telecommunications resources in a MDU andproviding methodologies for users to interact with programming, such asvideo, delivered over the telecommunications network in the MDU.

Since the first days of television, television channels have beenassigned numerals. To navigate among channels, the user typically had toeither turn a knob or press a button or set of buttons. Where numericalbuttons exist, the user may press the appropriate button(s) to navigatedirectly to the channel of his choice, provided he knows it.Alternatively, a user may move up and down the sequence of numbers inorder until arriving at a channel of interest.

More recently, cable and satellite television systems have facilitatednavigation among channels by providing a textual list of channels,program names, descriptions, and airtimes in a spreadsheet-like format.Users are allowed to scroll through the list until finding a channel ofinterest and then command the system to tune to that channel with thepress of a button. Very recently, individual movies or other programshave been made available in addition to the traditional sequentialchannels. Navigation through those items is similar, although program ormovie names are generally substituted for channel names and numbers.

For simplicity, the term “channel” as used in this document will referto video and/or audio channels as well as video and/or audio programsthat may or may not be part of a traditionally sequenced channel.

Glossary of Terms

Video—A series of motion images displayed in succession to create theappearance of real life. Video is transmitted in a Format that definesthe amount of visual information conveyed in a given time interval.Common rate of frame or “frame rates” include but are not limited to 15,24, 29.97 and 30 frames per second.

Format—The standard by which video is transmitted. Formats generally aredivided into two groups, digital and analog. Digital Formats generallydefine the horizontal and vertical sizes of the images (in the form ofindividual dots or Pixels), the frame rate, the Color Space,transmission mechanism, encoding/digitizing mechanism, and Compressionstandards. Examples of this standard would be ATSC, MPEG4, MPEG2, MPEG1,etc. Analog Formats generally define the amount of frequency space orbandwidth dedicated to a given video channel, a method of modulating theanalog signal on some type of carrier, a method of timing the screenrefreshes and a color encoding method. Both Formats also contain audioinformation in a similar way.

Color Space—The amount of information capacity reserved for colorinformation for a given pixel as well as the constituent colors used todefine the gamut of color possible. For example red, green and blue(RGB) may be used to define 16.4 million colors in the visible spectrumof light using 8 bits or 1 byte of computer information per Pixel. Otherpopular Color Spaces include but are not limited to YUV (luminance,chrominance and saturation), Y—Pb—Pr (luminance, blue minus luminance,red minus luminance) and CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and black).

Pixel—A singular dot of included color that is part of a mosaic ofsimilar dots in a matrix that defines a seamless picture when viewed ata known distance.

Resolution—The definition of the amount of pixels in an image measuredin horizontal and vertical dimensions along with a density of Pixelsgenerally expressed in dots-per-inch (dpi). Common resolutions for Videoare 720×480, 320×240 and 640×480. Video typically has the dpi of 72.

Aspect Ratio—The ratio of the horizontal to the vertical dimension foran image or Video. Typical aspect ratios are 4×3 often referred to asstandard definition (SD) and 16×9 often referred to as high definition(HD).

Channel/Feed/Stream—The aggregated time line of video program contentthat is assembled by a content rights holder or the individual user thatallows for continuous broadcast images and audio. This feed is comprisedof Video selections tied together generally in the construct of a showor program. A feed or channel may be interactive allowing for the enduser to affect the sequence of images commonly referred to as “trickplay”. Examples of trick play would include fast forward, fast reverse,pause and rewind. A feed may also contain textual or ancillary data thatmay or may not be displayed by default on the screen. Sometimes thisancillary information will be interpreted by the playback device asinformation to be displayed visually. An example of this would be closedcaptioning.

Macroblocking—The concept of dividing the visual resolution of a videofeed into smaller blocks generally but not limited to rectangles for thepurpose of Compressing or referencing sub sections of a Videodiscretely.

Set Top Box (STB)—A client device used for accessing content provided bythe Network. This device may include hardware specific to image andvideo rendering or may be software driven using a generalpurpose-computing device.

Compress/Compression—A technique that utilizes mathematical orstatistical commonalities in the image or video stream to reduce theamount of data required to transmit and reconstruct the data. There arethree major schools of Compression techniques. The first utilizesstatistical self-similarity in the stream to reduce the transmissionsize. The second method of reduction is to discard detailed imageinformation within a frame of video that is similar to adjacent parts ofthe image. This technique was popularized with JPEG (Joint PhotographicExperts Group) file Format. For example, in this scenario if 10 pixelsof near blue color exist in a horizontal row the Compression algorithmmay decide to store one pixel's complete color information and then tellthe reconstruction algorithm to reconstruct ten more identical pixels.In some cases the reduction is loss-less in that only identical pixelsare sampled in this way. The ratio of the Compression is related to thebroadness of what pixels are close enough in Color Space to beconsidered identical in the reconstruction phase and the heterogeneousnature of the image. The third popular method of Compression is toMacroblock a Video stream and by comparing a block to blocks that haveoccurred temporally before or after the current block avoid retransmitting that block's data in the stream. Sometimes translation of ablock's position on the screen is also used. The overall size of thedata stream is reduced by not retransmitting sections of the video thatare “similar enough” to other sections already (or possibly in thefuture) transmitted. This technique was popularized by the MPEG (MotionPictures Expert Group) consortium. Most modern Compression relies on acombination of the above methods. There are many other Compressiontechniques that rely on different and in many cases proprietaryalgorithms.

Metadata—Statistical or annotative information relating to the contentin a Video Stream. This information may be used to better identify thecontent present in the feed. The types of data typically included inMetadata would be author, content rights holder, theme or genre of thefeed, actors or actresses shown in the feed, production information andcontent rating. There is no practical limitation to the amount and typeof Metadata that may be associated with a stream.

Thus, a need has long been felt for a device that provides a user withan improved methodology for accessing, reviewing, or interacting withmultiple channels of video. A need has especially been felt for animproved device that provides the user with the ability to samplemultiple streams of video simultaneously.

We now turn to an additional aspect of the present telecommunicationsystem, specifically, retrofitting or installing specializedtelecommunications resources in a MDU

Retrofitting and Reconfiguring Risers in Older Buildings

FIG. 14 illustrates several systems associated with traditional risersin a MDU. Residential buildings built prior to the late 1980s wereconstructed with risers (also referred to as ducts or conduits invarious building codes) to provide public telephone service, housetelephone/buzzer entry systems, television signal distribution andelectrical power distribution. Basic riser size, design and constructionmaterials varied based upon local building codes and the specific use ofthe riser. Spare risers were generally not required by local buildingcodes and were therefore not installed. Due to the absence of unusedrisers, it is difficult to upgrade existing high-rise buildings withincreased electrical service, high-speed communications, fireannunciation, hard-wired smoke detectors, hard-wired heat detectors,emergency power and life safety systems. The installation of new risersin high-rise buildings is costly due to: i) the need to drill throughthe concrete slab of each floor to create vertical risers; ii) the needto create conduits for horizontal wiring runs and iii) the need toaccommodate residents during demolition and construction.

Public Telephone Risers:

Risers for public telephone wiring 1401 were generally constructed torun vertically the entire height of the building, as shown in FIG. 14.At various locations, the telephone risers run through distributionpanels 1402 in stairwells and landings where telephone pairs aresplit-off and run through smaller horizontal and vertical conduits toprovide analog telephone service to nearby floors, units and offices.The number of pairs serving a unit determines the number of telephonelines available on a ratio of one telephone pair per one telephone line.In order to reduce expense, contractors often used soft conduit (wiringin a flexible plastic sleeve) rather than rigid metal conduit. Duringconstruction, telephone cables were laid on horizontal and vertical runsprior to pouring concrete. Concrete was then poured over or around thewire to seal it in place. These wires may not generally be removedwithout opening the concrete floors. If the number of telephone pairs isinadequate for modern use, it is difficult to increase telephone servicedue to the lack of vertical riser space and horizontal conduit space tothe unit. Additionally, much of the telephone wiring is incompatiblewith DSL and data communications due to inadequate twists and or generaldeterioration due to age.

Television Signal Distribution

In older buildings, master antennas (MATV) 1403 were located on the roofto provide improved broadcast television reception to units. In manyMATV designs, vertical risers using hard conduit were installedbeginning in the penthouse area and ending at the lowest floor whereresidential units are located. These MATV risers ran within the walls ofevery residential unit and contained single coaxial cable runs that weresplit at each unit before being distributed to the next unit. Thiswiring plan is commonly referred to as “Loop Wiring”. Generally, theseconduits are ½″ to ¾″ and may only accommodate a small number of coaxialcables. Current cable TV technology does not support bidirectionalcommunications services such as cable modems over loop wiring.Accordingly, new risers have to be installed to provide dedicatedwiring, such as coaxial cable, to each unit. This type of wiring systemis referred to as “Home Run” wiring.

Electrical Service Upgrades

In older buildings, the power consumption of modern appliances hasexceeded the design limits of electrical systems. In order to increaseelectrical service, new risers or vertical power cables have to bebrought to each floor. In most buildings, existing electrical closetslack space to accommodate new electrical service due to the presence ofelectrical meters 1405. Accordingly, many building owners resort toreconfiguring common areas and or residential units in order to createnew electrical closets with upgraded electrical service. This process isexpensive, time consuming and diminishes the amount of rentable orsalable square footage available.

Emergency Power

In many older high-rise buildings, local codes are requiring theinstallation of emergency power generators to provide power to emergencylighting, communication and elevators in the event of a power failure orother emergency. Most local codes require that location of emergencygenerators at or below grade level. Many of the power distribution feedsfor elevators and emergency lighting are located in building penthouses.Older buildings were not designed with risers to connect emergencygenerators with penthouse electrical equipment. Accordingly, newemergency power risers need to be installed requiring core drillingthrough concrete slabs. Additional cost is incurred when installingthese risers due to the need to enclose and decorate riser areas locatedin common areas.

Fire Annunciation Systems

Many building codes require fire annunciation systems whereby firepersonnel may instruct residents in the event of an emergency. In olderbuildings, hard conduit was not constructed for fire annunciationsystems. In order to install fire annunciation systems in thesebuildings, fire departments require dedicated equipment with batterybackup and special fire rated cable or hard conduit. In order to installbuilding annunciation systems, new vertical and horizontal risers orcable runs are required including floor penetrations and wallpenetrations in units. The costs of installing new risers and hardconduit or fire rated cable is significant due to the lack of riserspace.

Hard-Wired Smoke Detectors

Many building codes require hard-wired smoke detectors whereby theeffectiveness of smoke detectors does not rely on residents replacingbatteries. In older buildings, conduit and wiring was not installed topower hard-wired smoke detectors. In order to install hard-wired smokedetectors, new vertical and horizontal risers or wiring runs arerequired including floor penetrations and wall penetrations in units.The cost of installing this system is expensive due to the lack of riserspace and conduits.

Hard-Wired Heat Detectors

Many building codes require hard-wired heat detectors whereby theeffectiveness of heat detectors does not rely on residents replacingbatteries. In older buildings, conduit and wiring was not installed topower hard-wired heat detectors. In order to install hard-wired heatdetectors, new vertical and horizontal risers or wiring runs arerequired including floor penetrations and wall penetrations in units.The cost of installing this system is expensive due to the lack of riserspace and conduits.

Security Cameras and Building Automation

In older buildings, coaxial cables are used to transmit security camerafeeds. Often, coaxial cables are run through emergency stairwells tobring camera feeds 1416 to the penthouse distribution panel and then todistribute signals to the front desk. In many urban areas, firedepartments are requiring the removal of coaxial cables from emergencystairwells due to safety concerns. Similarly, building automation andalarm systems are generally connected to alarm panels located by thefront entrance of buildings. Many of the automation and alarm systemsare monitoring equipment located in the penthouse of buildings and useemergency stairs to connect to monitoring panels. In older buildings, novertical risers were installed for security camera feeds and buildingautomation wiring. Accordingly, new risers are required to retrofitbuildings with these capabilities.

Constructing Space Efficient Risers in New Construction Buildings

The construction of new buildings with advanced communications,electrical systems, life-safety and building automation systems posesignificant challenges for engineers, real estate developers andproperty owners. In new construction, construction costs may range from$100-$300 per square foot. The square foot rental value of offices andapartments may exceed $25-$60 per square foot while the value ofresidential condominiums and cooperatives may exceed $700-$1,000 persquare foot.

The installation of electrical rooms and communications closets in newconstruction consumes significant space that could otherwise be added torental space or sold as residential living space. The installation ofdedicated wiring for telephone, cable TV, fire annunciation, hard-wiresmoke detectors, building automation and security cameras also consumessignificant space thereby reducing the rentable or saleable squarefootage. Additionally, the cost of labor and wiring for these systems issignificant.

Thus, it is desirable to have a communications network that combinesfeatures such as voice, video and data services, electrical closets,security cameras, building automation, fire annunciation systems,hard-wired smoke detectors, hard-wired heat detectors, electrical metersand other systems. Such a communications network may especially bedesirable in a high-rise MDU, where the value per square foot is highand the space required to support and service several different systemsmay be eliminated thereby allowing the space to be sold or rented.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention provides a telecommunicationsnetwork having a video program guide (VPG) allowing a user to interactwith multiple streams of video in real time. The VPG includes techniquesfor displaying multiple steams of data on a single screen for a user.

Additionally, the telecommunications network provides the advantagethat, through the utilization of an integrated Ethernet communicationsystem, much of the wiring and space required for voice, video and dataservices, electrical closets, security cameras, building automation,fire annunciation systems, hard-wired smoke detectors, hard-wired heatdetectors, electrical meters and other system may be reducedsignificantly or eliminated.

These and other features of the present invention are discussed orapparent in the following detailed description of the embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the first embodiment of a next generationtelecommunications network in a multi-dwelling unit (MDU) high risebuilding.

FIG. 2 illustrates the first embodiment of a Video Program Guide (VPG)including an image of a video grid version of a VPG interface along witha variety of features.

FIG. 3 illustrates a display of a listing based navigation tool for thevideo program guide VPG as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 depicts a series of screen images illustrating how the look ofthe user interface changes as a result of a typical sequence of usercommands.

FIG. 5 illustrates the first embodiment of a sports version of a VideoProgram Guide (SVPG) interface along with a variety of features.

FIG. 6 depicts a series of screen images illustrating a VPG having atournament interface for sports or events that use a “tableau” forpromotion.

FIG. 7 illustrates a combined view of the VPG and a view of the VPGshowing only the components of the VPG generated at the server.

FIG. 8 illustrates the total image recombination technique used togenerate a video grid.

FIG. 9 illustrates the video scaling by omission technique used togenerate a video grid.

FIG. 10 shows a graphical implementation of the formula used in thevideo scaling by omission technique.

FIG. 11 shows an example of Macroblock Compression.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of video scaling using the Macroblockpreprocessing technique.

FIG. 13 is a demonstration of the integration of the Macroblockpreprocessing technique with on screen graphics.

FIG. 14 illustrates several systems associated with traditional risersin a MDU.

FIG. 15 illustrates several electronic components of thecommunications/electrical distribution system.

FIG. 16 illustrates an advanced riser design showing centralizedEthernet powering and decentralized Ethernet powering.

FIG. 17 illustrates a MATV riser deployed network.

FIG. 18 illustrates a new CAT-5 deployed vertical riser.

FIG. 19 illustrates a reconfigured public telephone or house phonedeployed vertical riser with new horizontal riser to the unit.

FIG. 20 illustrates an integrated vertical communications and electricalriser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates the first embodiment of a next generationtelecommunications network 100 in a multi-dwelling unit (MDU) high risebuilding. Network 100 includes a network core section 110, a metrosection 130, and an in-building section 150. Network core section 110includes a VoIP (Voice over IP) Softswitch 112, multiple satelliteintegrated receiver/decoders (IRDs) 113, multiple video encoders 114,multiple Internet routers 116, multiple Video Servers 118, and Internetprotocol switch 119. Metro section 130 includes Internet protocol switch132 and Internet protocol switch 134. In-building section 150 includesIntegrated Access Device (IAD) 152, analog telephone 153, Internetprotocol landing switch 154, and Set Top Box 156.

In network core section 110, Internet protocol switch 119 is inelectrical communication with VoIP Softswitch 112, in electricalcommunication with video encoders 114, in electrical communication withInternet routers 116, and in electrical communication with video serverservers 118. VoIP Softswitch 112 is in electrical communication with thePSTN. Video encoders 114 are in electrical communication with IRDs 113.Internet routers 116 are in electrical communication with the publicInternet.

In metro section 130, Internet protocol switch 132 is in electricalcommunication with Internet protocol switch 134 and Internet protocolswitch 119 from network core section 110. Internet protocol switch 134is also in electrical communication with Internet protocol landingswitch 154 from in-building section 150.

In in-building section 150, IAD 152 is in electrical communication withInternet protocol landing switch 154, analog telephone 153, and set topbox 156. Internet protocol landing switch 154 is also in electricalcommunication with set top box 158.

In operation, a time division multiplexed telephone signal is receivedfrom the PSTN by VoIP softswitch 112. It is converted into VoIP formatpackets, addressed to IAD 152 and the packets are passed to Internetprotocol switch 119. Internet protocol switch 119, examines the packets'addresses and passes them to Internet protocol switch 132. Internetprotocol switch 132 examines the packets' addresses and passes them toInternet protocol switch 134. Internet protocol switch 134 examines thepackets' addresses and passes them to Internet protocol landing switch154. Internet protocol landing switch 154 examines the packets'addresses and passes them to IAD 152. IAD 152 converts the packets to ananalog telephone signal and passes the signal to analog telephone 153.Analog telephone 153 converts the analog telephone signal to sound wavesat the telephone earpiece. Simultaneously, sound waves present at themouthpiece of analog telephone 153 are converted to an analog telephonesignal and passed to the IAD. This signal is passed back up the networkin exactly the opposite direction and fashion as just described and allsignals are converted in reverse at their corresponding points.

A digitized video signal is received from a satellite by IRD 113. Thesignal is then demodulated, demultiplexed, and decrypted by IRD 113 andpassed to video encoder 114. Video encoder 114 encrypts, packetizes, andconverts the signal to an IGMP format and passes the packets on toInternet protocol switch 119. Internet protocol switch 119 examines thepackets' addresses and passes them to Internet protocol switch 132.Internet protocol switch 132 examines the packets' addresses and passesthem to Internet protocol switch 134. Internet protocol switch 134examines the packets' addresses and passes them to Internet protocollanding switch 154. Internet protocol landing switch 154 examines thepackets' addresses and passes them to IAD 152, which passes the packetsto set top box 156. Set top box 156 decrypts and converts the packets toan analog television signal for display on a television set. Channelchange and other commands travel from set top box 156 along the samepath as the television signal but in the opposite direction. Thesecommands are received by Internet protocol switch 119 in order to changethe contents of the video passing down to set top box 156.

A digitized video signal is encrypted and stored on Video server 118.Video server 118 packetizes the video and passes the packets on toInternet protocol switch 119. Internet protocol switch 119 examines thepackets' addresses and passes them to Internet protocol switch 132.Internet protocol switch 132 examines the packets' addresses and passesthem to Internet protocol switch 134. Internet protocol switch 134examines the packets' addresses and passes them to Internet protocollanding switch 154. Internet protocol landing switch 154 examines thepackets+ addresses and passes them to IAD 152, which passes the packetsto set top box 156. Set top box 156 decrypts and converts the packets toan analog television signal for display on a television set. Commandstravel from set top box 156 along the same path as the video signal butin the opposite direction. These commands are received by video server118 in order to change the contents of the video passing down to set topbox 156.

Internet packets from the public Internet are received by Internetrouter 116 and are passed to Internet protocol switch 119. Internetprotocol switch 119 examines the packets' addresses and passes them toInternet protocol switch 132. Internet protocol switch 132 examines thepackets' addresses and passes them to Internet protocol switch 134.Internet protocol switch 134 examines the packets' addresses and passesthem to Internet protocol landing switch 154. Internet protocol landingswitch 154 examines the packets' addresses and passes them to IAD 152,which makes them available to any Internet enabled communication deviceconnected to IAD 152.

In the alternative, video encoders 114 may also receive an analog videosignal from IRDs 113 and perform a digitization process in addition toits other stated processes. Video encoders may also receive an analog ordigital video signal from an antenna or via fiber optics or otherterrestrial system and perform a digitization process (if necessary) inaddition to its other stated processes. The digitization may be in theform of MPEG2, MPEG4, or any other form of digitized video. Also, metrosection 130 may include any number of Internet protocol switches, eitherin parallel, in series, and/or in a loop configuration. Additionally,any Internet protocol enabled device may connect to IAD 152.

In other embodiments, all electrical communications so described may beoptical or wireless communications in certain configurations. Also, settop box 156 may be in direct electrical, optical, or wirelesscommunication with Internet protocol landing switch 154 without firsttraveling through IAD 152.

Also, in addition to the structure shown in FIG. 1, in-building section150 may contain any number of groups of shown devices. Additionally,analog telephone 153 may also be a VoIP telephone and may be inelectrical, optical, or wireless communication with IAD 152 or directlywith Internet protocol landing switch 154. Further, any number ofInternet protocol switches may be between Internet protocol landingswitch 154 and IAD 152. Any of these Internet protocol switches may bein direct electrical, optical, or wireless communication with set topbox 156 or VoIP telephone or any other Internet protocol enabled device.

Further variations include: 1) any or all Internet protocol switches mayalternatively be DSL modems, 2) Network core section 110 may include anyInternet enabled device and be in electrical, optical or wirelesscommunication with Internet protocol switch 119, 3) Video encoders 114may be connected to analog or digital television antennae, 4) There maybe multiple network core sections 110, 5) in-building section 150 may becommercial, industrial, retail, or residential MTU or MDU. Further, onenetwork may be shared among multiple buildings or MDUs, 6) in-buildingsection 150 may contain multiple Internet protocol switches in additionto Internet protocol landing switch 154. Set top box 156 may have adigital connection to a television set.

In a first aspect of the present telecommunications network, the networkprovides a television viewer with an improved viewing experience byproviding an improved way to navigate among a set of video and/or audiochannels and programs using video, graphics, image, and audio cues toassist in channel selection as well as providing the viewer the abilityto watch many video channels simultaneously.

One embodiment permits the user to utilize a much greater set of cuesthan traditional numerical and textual ones to locate, identify, andselect a channel of interest from among a broad selection of channels.The cues described here include video, image, audio, textual, andgraphical ones. By allowing users to utilize more of their sensorycapabilities when choosing channels, this embodiments of the inventionimproves the speed and accuracy of channel selection thus improving thequality of the viewing and/or listening experience. In severalembodiments, this invention presents a television user interface thatincludes active video elements, active audio elements, static imageelements, and dynamic graphical and textual elements in a variety ofconfigurations so as to allow a user to quickly locate a desired channeland tune to it. It also allows a user to watch many video channelssimultaneously without the need for multiple television sets. This is afunction found to be especially valuable to sports enthusiasts sincemultiple sporting events frequently occur and are shown simultaneouslyacross multiple channels.

This viewer interaction aspect of the communications network includestwo primary parts. The first is the user interface design and navigationmethods. The second is the backend server processes and algorithms usedto create and present the user interface elements over an IP-basednetwork in an economical fashion. The user interface design andnavigation methods include multiple versions that have the commonalityof allowing a user the ability to select a desired channel or tosimultaneously watch several different channels on an IP-based network.The channels may either be pre-recorded and available on a server orthey may be “live”, whereby they are encoded into some digital mediaFormat. The distribution methodology of the network is further discussedbelow with regard to the second part of the viewer interaction aspect ofthe communications network.

FIG. 2 illustrates the first embodiment of a Video Program Guide (VPG)100 including an image of a video grid version of a VPG interface alongwith a variety of features. VPG 200 includes a video grid section 210and a data and navigation section 230. Video grid section 210 includes12 video channel windows 212 and marquee selection tool 214. Each videochannel window 212 has a corresponding video channel 213 which is thevideo content seen within each video channel window 212. Video gridsection 210 includes highlighted video channel 215, which is also anelement of the 12 video channels 213. Data and navigation section 230includes program data 231, channel number and name data 232, channellogo 233, program name and description data 234, program time remainingdata 235, and context based navigation element 236. Context basednavigation element 236 contains 4 selections—SPTS selection 237, DOCUselection 238, CMDY selection 239, and NEWS selection 240.

In video grid section 210, the 12 video channel windows 212 are arrangedin a 4 horizontal by 3 vertical grid format. Each video channel window212 displays a different video channel 213. Marquee selection tool 214forms a frame visually on top of one and only one of the 12 videochannel windows 212 at a time. The video channel with the marqueeselection tool 214 designated video channel window 212 is designated ashighlighted video channel 215. Data and navigation section 230 isappended to the bottom of video grid section 210. Context basednavigation element 236 occupies the left side of data and navigationsection 230. Within context based navigation element 236, SPTS selection237 is on top, DOCU selection 238 is on the right, CMDY selection 239 ison the bottom, and NEWS selection 240 is on the left. Channel logo 233is next to channel number and name data 232 which is next to programdata 231. All three elements are located in the top right portion ofdata and navigation section 230. Program name and description data 234is located below channel logo 233 and to the left of context basednavigation element 236. Program time remaining data 235 is in the bottomright hand corner of data and navigation section 230. Channel logo 233,channel number and name data 232, program data 231, program name anddescription data 234, and program time remaining data 235 arecontextually connected to highlighted video channel 215, in that theirdata describes highlighted video channel 215.

In operation, a specific set of 12 video channels 213 is displayed invideo channel windows 212 as received from network 100 as seen inFIG. 1. Highlighted video channel 215 is designated by placing marqueeselection tool 214 on top of one of the video channel windows 212.Channel logo 233 displays the logo associated with highlighted videochannel 215. Similarly, program name and description data 234, channelnumber and name data 232, and program data 231 all display dataassociated with highlighted video channel 215. Program time remainingdata 235 displays the amount of time left until the end of the programdisplayed in highlighted video channel 215. As marquee selection tool214 is moved from the top of one video channel window 212 to anothervideo channel window 212, channel logo 233, program name and descriptiondata 234, channel number and name data 232, and program data 231, alladjust to display data associated with the content of the newhighlighted video channel 215. Similarly, the audio stream associatedwith highlighted video channel 215 is heard. Marquee selection tool 214may be moved one video window 212 at a time in an up, down, left, rightmanner. Marquee selection tool 214 is moved through the use of a set topbox remote control.

The specific set of 12 video channels 213 being displayed may bereplaced by a new set of video channels 213 through the use of contextbase navigation element 236. Selection of SPTS selection 237 willreplace video channels 213 with a set of sports oriented video channels213. Selection of DOCU selection 238 will replace video channels 213with a set of documentary oriented video channels 213. Selection of CMDYselection 239 will replace video channels 213 with a set of comedyoriented video channels 213. Selection of NEWS selection 240 willreplace video channels 213 with a set of news oriented video channels213.

If at any time, marquee selection tool 214 is moved beyond the top,bottom, left, or right edges of video grid section 210, the 12 videochannels 213 will adjust so as to accommodate new video channels 213. Ifmarquee selection tool 214 is moved beyond the left edge of video gridsection 210, the 9 leftmost video channels 213 will each move one videochannel window 212 to the right. The rightmost 3 video channels 213 willdisappear. Three new video channels 213 will occupy the leftmost 3 videochannel windows 212. Similar accommodations will be made if marqueeselection tool 214 is moved beyond the top, bottom, or right edges ofvideo grid section 210.

If at any time, the user presses select on the remote control, theentire video program screen and all of its elements will be replacedwith a full screen version of highlighted video channel 215.

Alternatives to the VPG 200 include the following. First, video channelgrid 210 may contain any number of video channel windows 212 in any formfactor, such as a 4×4 channel display, a 5×5 channel display, or anyother display desirable by a user. Second, video channel windows 212 arenot constrained to be the same size. For example, the currently selectedchannel window 212 may be enlarged or otherwise highlighted. Third,marquee selection tool 214 navigation beyond the edges of video channelgrid 210 may cause all video channel windows 212 to be replaced with acompletely new set of video channels 213. Fourth, data and navigationsection 230 may include additional data relevant to highlighted videochannel 215. Fifth, data and navigation section 230 may be located in adifferent portion of the screen, such at the top, sides or center of thescreen. Sixth, all elements of data and navigation section 230 may berearranged to display in different areas of the screen or to display bysubject or in accordance with some other user-selected methodology.Seventh, the VPG 200 need not include all the elements of data andnavigation section 230. Eighth, data and navigation section 230 may becommanded to disappear and be replaced with additional video channelwindows 212. Finally, context based navigation element 236 may containdifferent or additional selections and may be in any order.

FIG. 3 illustrates a display 300 of a listing based navigation tool 301for the video program guide VPG 200 as shown in FIG. 2. That is, FIG. 3shows the same VPG interface as FIG. 2 with the addition of a contextualtext-based program guide element, as further discussed below.

Listing based navigation tool 301 includes a contextual program listingby time 310, a channel link indicator 312, a selection marquee 314, 2scrolling arrows 316, and highlighted contextual program listing 318.Contextual program listing by time 310 contains items with both ascheduled airtime and a program name. Visually behind listing basednavigation tool 300 is video program guide VPG 200. All of the elementsof VPG 200 as seen in FIG. 2 are preferably present.

Channel link indicator 312 is contextually connected to highlightedvideo channel 215. It is also visually connected to highlighted videochannel 215 in that it is placed on the screen so as to seem to bepointing directly from highlighted video channel 215. Contextual programlisting by time 310 runs vertically down the center of listing basednavigation tool 301 and is contextually connected to highlighted videochannel 215 in that it is effectively a window into a much larger listof all programs shown prior and scheduled to be shown later on thatvideo channel. Selection marquee 314 forms a frame around one item incontextual program listing by time 310 thus designating it highlightedcontextual program listing 318. Highlighted contextual program listing318 is contextually connected to highlighted video channel 215 as wellas to the time of day. Scrolling arrows 316 are contextually connectedto contextual program listing by time 310.

In operation, the listing based navigation tool 301 is displayed infront of VPG 200 by triggering a command on a set top box remotecontrol. Selection marquee 314 may be moved up and down the contextualprogram listing by time 310 using a set top box remote control therebychanging the highlighted contextual program listing 318. If selectionmarquee 314 is moved beyond the top of contextual program listing bytime 310, contextual program listing by time 310 scrolls down, thusrevealing a new listing from the next earlier time period and droppingoff the listing for the latest time shown. If selection marquee 314 ismoved beyond the bottom of contextual program listing by time 310,contextual program listing by time 310 scrolls up, thus revealing a newlisting from the next later time period and dropping off the listing forthe earliest time shown. In this manner, the user may scroll through theentire viewing schedule associated with highlighted video channel 215.

When the user has found the desired listing in contextual programlisting by time 310, he may select it by first moving selection marquee314 over the desired listing, thereby making it the highlightedcontextual program listing 318 and then pressing a button on the remotecontrol. If the selected item represents a program that has previouslyaired, the user will be taken to a recording of that program. If theselected item represents a program that has not yet aired, the programis recorded when it does air. If the selected item represents theprogram currently airing, the user is taken to a full screen version ofthat program and VPG 200 and listing based navigation tool 301disappears. At any time the user may make VPG 200 and listing basednavigation tool 2100 disappear by selecting a command on the remotecontrol.

Alternatives to the listing based navigation tool 301 described aboveinclude the following. First, selection marquee 314 may be moved using awired navigation method, push buttons on the set top box itself, orother remote control device. Second, contextual program listing by time310 may contain additional or fewer elements than just the program nameand scheduled air time. Third, contextual program listing by time 310may run horizontally instead of vertically. Fourth, contextual programlisting by time 310 may be graphical instead of textual. Fifth, programselection using selection marquee 314 may cause any task related tohighlighted contextual program listing 318 to occur.

FIG. 4 depicts a series 400 of screen images illustrating how the lookof the user interface changes as a result of a typical sequence of usercommands. That is, FIG. 4 depicts the baseline interface in a sequenceof frames sampled from the process a user may go through in order toselect a feed.

Capture 1 410 of this drawing indicates a starting position of this VPG.The user has the 2^(nd) box from the left in the top row selected and isthus preferably hearing audio from that feed. The data at the bottom ina format similar to FIG. 2 is depicted at the bottom of the frame. InCapture 2 420 the user has moved the marquee over to the feed to theimmediate left of the one he/she was viewing using his/her remotecontrol device. This has changed the program information at the bottomof the screen and has also switched the audio feed to match the newchannel selection. In this illustration, the user wishes to watch thechannel he/she just highlighted so he/she hits the selection interfaceon his/her remote control device.

This “join” or “tuning” of the channel represented by the miniaturevideo feed in the VPG is illustrated in Capture 3 430. Capture 4 440 isa simulation of a commercial that has just come on a time later than theinitial “tuning” to this channel. The assumption is that the user doesnot wish to watch this commercial and would in fact like to return tothe VPG. The Capture 5 450 illustrates this. The audio and the programdata in the VPG as well as the marquee location will match the channelthe user is returning from. The user then moved the marquee down fromthe joined position in the VPG and is now hearing the audio and may viewthe program data associated with the newly highlighted channel. This isdetailed in Capture 6 460. The user is then be able to select thischannel/program and watch it full screen or simply monitor the previousprogram/channel to return from commercial and then return to thatchannel.

FIG. 5 illustrates the first embodiment of a sports version of a VideoProgram Guide (SVPG) 500 interface along with a variety of features.SVPG 500 includes main video window 580, which is 70% of the size of afull screen window, 7 secondary video windows 570, which are 20% of thesize of a full screen window, selection marquee 520, demonstrated goalevent specific icon 530, demonstrated fight event specific icon 560,team names character overlay 540, and scrolling information overlay 550.SVPG 500 also includes main hockey video channel 510, and 7 secondaryhockey video channels 590, one of which is highlighted hockey videochannel 592.

In SVPG 500, 7 secondary video windows 570 are arranged evenly along theleft and top sides of the screen. 3 video windows are along the leftside and 3 video windows are across the top with the seventh videowindow in the upper left hand corner of the screen. Each secondary videowindow 570 contains a secondary hockey video channel 590. Selectionmarquee 520 forms a frame visually on top of one and only one of the 7secondary video windows 570 at a time. The secondary hockey videochannel 590 located in the secondary video window 570 on top of whichselection marquee 520 is placed is referred to as highlighted hockeyvideo channel 592. In the bottom right hand corner of SVPG 500 is mainvideo window 580. Main video window 580 contains main hockey videochannel 510. Scrolling information overlay 550 runs horizontally acrossthe bottom of main video window 580. It is contextually connected tomain video channel 510 and provides textual information about thatchannel. Team names character overlay 540 runs horizontally across thebottom of secondary video window 570. It is contextually connected tosecondary video channel 590 and provides the names of the teams playingin the game on that channel. Each secondary video window 570 and itscorresponding secondary video channel 590 has its own team namescharacter overlay 540, each displaying the names of the teams playing onthat channel.

In operation, a specific set of 7 secondary hockey video channels 590 isdisplayed in secondary video windows 570 as received from network 100 asseen in FIG. 1. A specific main hockey video channel 510 is displayed inmain video window 580 as received from network 100 as seen in FIG. 1.Highlighted secondary hockey video channel 592 is designated by placingselection marquee 520 on top of one of the secondary video windows 570.Selection marquee 520 may be moved one secondary video window 570 at atime left and right or up and down using arrow keys on a remote control.As selection marquee 520 moves to a new secondary video window 570, thesecondary hockey video channel 590 associated with the new secondaryvideo window 570 becomes the new highlighted secondary hockey videochannel 592. When a user presses a select button on a remote controldevice, highlighted secondary hockey video channel 592 swaps places withmain hockey video channel 510. The new secondary hockey video channel592 is reduced in size to 20% of full screen. The new main hockey videochannel 510 is increased in size to 70% of full screen.

When a goal is scored in the game being shown on a secondary hockeyvideo channel 592, demonstrated goal event specific icon 530 will appearvisually on top of that secondary hockey video channel. This appearanceis triggered automatically by the update of a source of data about thegame. The icon may catch the attention of the viewer causing him topossibly choose to swap that secondary hockey video channel 590 with themain hockey video channel 510 as previously described. If no such actionis taken, the icon will disappear automatically after 10 seconds.Similarly, when a fight occurs in the game being shown on a secondaryhockey video channel 592, a demonstrated fight event specific icon 560appears visually on top of that secondary hockey video channel. Thisappearance is triggered automatically by the update of a source of dataabout the game. The icon may catch the attention of the viewer causinghim to possibly choose to swap that secondary hockey video channel 590with the main hockey video channel 510 as previously described. If nosuch action is taken, the icon disappears automatically after 10seconds.

Alternatives to the SVPG 500 described above include the following.First, SVPG 500 may include video channels for any sport or anycombinations of sports or any combination of channels with any or norelationship to one another. Second, event specific icons may exist forany event. Third, event specific icons may be manually or automaticallytriggered to appear in response to any event. Fourth, additionalinformative displays may appear on top of any secondary video channel590 or main video channel 510. Fifth, numeric navigation may also beused by assigning each secondary video window 570 a number. Pressingthat number on a remote control device will cause a video swap betweenthat secondary video channel 590 and main video channel 510. Sixth, mainvideo window 580 and secondary video windows 570 may have any size.Seventh, the number and orientation of secondary video windows 570 andmain video window 580 may vary.

FIG. 6 depicts a series 600 of screen images illustrating a VPG having atournament interface for sports or events that use a “tableau” forpromotion. The example demonstrated is the NCAA March collegetournament. The series 600 includes a series of captures 610-650. Incapture one 610 the user is prompted to select the quadrant of thetableau that he/she wants to view. In smaller tournaments this step maynot be necessary. The backdrop is the completed tableau preferablyshowing all the advancement that has occurred to date. To indicatechannels are available icons or highlighted text may be used along withoptional scaled channels as is demonstrated here. Previous games may beavailable in highlight form or in their entirety via video on demandservers. The user may be presented with this availability with similarvisual and audio cues to the live channels.

Capture 2 620 shows the user selecting quadrant 3 or in this case the“East Rutherford” regional. Navigation and selection was accomplishedusing a remote control device as in the above interfaces. Once the userhas made his/her selection he/she is presented with a new screen that isa “zoom in” of the previous one. This is demonstrated in Capture 3 630.The user is now presented with a larger version of the tableau quadrantselected in the previous step. This larger version may contain morestatistical and data detail to take advantage of the larger screenavailability. Games that are in progress may be represented by largervideo channels. Selection of these games may be done by highlighting,iconic feedback or, a marquee, which is demonstrated here. Previousgames may be selected along side current live ones. Capture 4 640depicts the selection of the second live game in the conference bymovement of the marquee using the remote control device. Once enteringthe quadrant video the user would be hearing the audio from the selectedgame. When the user decided which game he/she would like to view he/shesimply hits the selection button on his/her remote control device tojoin the selected game full screen as is depicted in Capture 5 650.Multiple data sources are be used in the creation of the interface socurrent scores, highlight information, etc. may be displayed along sidethe video and audio content.

FIG. 7 illustrates a combined view 710 of the VPG and a view 720 of theVPG showing only the components of the VPG generated at the server. Asmentioned above, portions of the VPG are generated at the set-top boxand portions of the VPG are generated at a server, as shown in FIG. 1.The “back-end service” is created for the various VPGs when they aredelivered as part of a consolidated video channel. For the purposesoutlined here “backend” is defined as the service or services thatcreate at least part of an offering to one or more customers as definedin the previous sections.

In FIG. 7, the lower portion of the screen that has the programinformation as well as the marquee is generated by the set top box (STB)as shown in Capture 1 710. Since this information is dynamic and may bespecific to a user it is not included in the video that is sent to theSTB. The video channel itself looks like Capture 2 720. There are twomain tracks taken to assemble the video. The first is total imagerecombination and the second is for use when Macroblock Compression isused on the source video. Both of these techniques are described withthe premise that the video is pre-encoded and being multicast along anIP network. Hardware and other transport systems may also be used butare not detailed here. This interface is designed to utilize therendering capabilities of the STB to create images and graphics that maybe hard to compress. It is also designed so that on a user-to-user basisinformation and display may be customized without the need to manipulatethe underlying video channel.

FIG. 8 illustrates the total image recombination technique used togenerate a video grid. FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary first technique.This is a 2×2 grid of four channels. For simplicity there is nographical overlay area set aside as there was in FIG. 7 although one maybe generated in the same fashion as described in the above section.

The process shown in FIG. 8 starts by reconstructing full frames ofvideo using what ever decode Compression scheme the channels werecreated in. A typical frame of uncompressed NTSC resolution is generally720×480 pixels and for the purposes of description we use a 24-bit colorRGB space (8 bits per pixel per color), so each frame takes 1,036,800bytes of memory. For the purposes of this explanation we also refer tothe video as a single frame understanding that for motion this processreoccurs approximately 30 times a second depending on the Format andframe rate of the video used.

Once the disparate channels are reconstructed in memory each is scaledin the horizontal and vertical dimension. This is accomplished in one oftwo ways. The first is a standard bicubic, linear or nearest neighborreverse interpolation to reduce the resolution. This technique producesthe greatest image quality but also is processor intensive and may beprohibitive for some applications. Interpolation in this context isessentially the generating of a new pixel by the mathematical averagingof pixels adjacent in some way to it. The second technique isillustrated in FIG. 9 below.

FIG. 9 illustrates the video scaling by omission technique used togenerate a video grid. This second technique is a lessprocessor-intensive memory remap and copy. Referring to FIG. 9, in thisillustration we have taken a grid and superimposed it on top of image 1from FIG. 8. This grid is meant to represent the pixels that are in theFigure as magnified by 1000%. Here, each square of the video representsone pixel of this frame. The pixels then may be represented in memory inthe fashion shown in FIG. 10, below.

FIG. 10 shows a graphical implementation of the formula used in thevideo scaling by omission technique. The representation of memory is ahexadecimal encoding of the color information bits. The processdescribed here is applied to the entire image but for illustrationpurposes only a small area of the image is discussed. One technique isgoverned by the following computer formula written loosely in the styleof “C” as shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 SCALING BY OMISSION CODEsize_of_image_horizontal/number_of_images_per_screen = image_width;size_of_image_vertical/number_of_images_per_screen = image_height;typedef pixelbuffer = byte[3]; pixelbuffer image1data = (raw pixels fromimage 1); pixelbuffer image2data = (raw pixels from image 2);pixelbuffer image3data = (raw pixels from image 3); pixelbufferimage4data = (raw pixels from image 4); pixelbuffer compositeImage =sizeof(image1data); for (int i=0; i < image_height; i++) { inthorizontal_counter=0; for (int j=0; j< image_width;j+number_of_images_per_screen) {compositeImage[(i*size_of_image_horizontal)+horizontal_counter] =image1data[(i*size_of_image_horizontal)+j]; horizontal_counter++; } for(int q=0; q< image_width; q+number_of_images_per_screen) {compositeImage[(i*size_of_image_horizontal)+horizontal_counter] =image1data[(i*size_of_image_horizontal)+q]; horizontal_counter++; } }for (i=image_height; i < (image_height*number_of_images_per_screen);i++) { int horizontal_counter=0; for (j=0; j< image_width;j+number_of_images_per_screen) {compositeImage[(i*size_of_image_horizontal)+horizontal_counter] =image1data[(i*size_of_image_horizontal)+j]; horizontal_counter++; } for(q=0; q< image_width; q+number_of_images_per_screen) {compositeImage[(i*size_of_image_horizontal)+horizontal_counter] =image1data[(i*size_of_image_horizontal)+q]; horizontal_counter++; } }

Essentially, the code shown in Table 1 derives a number based upon thehorizontal and vertical size of the desired output Format and dividesthose dimensions by the number of images (assuming a matrixconfiguration). That derived number then determines the number of pixelsto skip when progressing literally from the upper left to the lowerright of the image going by horizontal rows of pixels. In other words ifyou have a 2×2 matrix of video channels you would skip every other pixelin both dimensions of the image in order to reduce the overall amount ofvideo data by 75%. This new image data is then position adjusted tooffset it to the specific part of the video field for the specific inputchannel. Similar reductions work for more numerous channels. For examplea 2×3 matrix of channels would result in the skipping of every secondand third pixel.

In the bottom of FIG. 10 one may see the graphical implementation of theabove formula in both a 2×2 and a 3×2 video grid format. The advantageof this approach is that since the procedure is a simple memory copy orreference, the procedure occurs very quickly, thus reducing theprocessing loads. The math is limited as there is no complex averagingoccurring on the video data. Rather the memory is simply copied from onelocation in memory to another.

Once the new image has been “assembled” in memory a Compressionalgorithm may be run to re-Compress the channel and distribute it on theNetwork. Some Compression algorithms will require that more than oneframe be in memory at any given time to run the algorithm. This happensbecause the nature of the Compression references frames that havetemporally occurred prior or post the frame being processed. Examples ofthis would be MPEG and ATSC (HDTV). To accomplish this, one may use theabove approach and add a circular buffer so that many frames will be inmemory at the same time. Then number of frames in the buffer isdetermined by the definitions in the Compression algorithm.

The second method of video processing and assembly that is availablerelies on video that has been Compressed using Macroblocking such asMPEG and ATSC. This approach uses processing on the independentMacroblocks in their raw Format prior to re-assembly. This givesapproximately a 500% improvement in the efficiency of the rescaling ofthe image approach detailed above. To better understand this, an exampleof Macroblock Compression is presented in FIG. 11, below.

FIG. 11 shows an example of Macroblock Compression. FIG. 11 shows aseries of 3 frames from a time index of 1 (naught) 1101, 4 (naught +3)1102, and 7 (naught +6) 1103. Each of these frames 1101-1103 isrepresentative of a different type of MPEG or ATSC frame. The firstframe 1101 is an “I” frame. It is the entire image with all of itsMacroblocks Compressed with a JPEG style Compression. The second frame1102 is a “P” frame. The “P” frame is a predictive frame. It containsonly the Macroblocks, which have substantially changed from the “I”frame it references. The third frame 1103 is a “B” frame. The “B” frameis a bi-directional frame. It looks forward and backward in the timestream to find the nearest Macroblock that matches each region of thescreen. If a suitable frame may not be found within the temporalconstraints of the Compression and buffering the system simplyCompresses a new Macroblock and transmits it in the stream.

To illustrate this we have taken each of the frames and composited theimages into a new frame, which is essentially a time lapse of thesequence. The areas of the picture that are black and white indicateareas of the screen that have not changed throughout the whole sequence,thus the Macroblocks describing that area of the screen are unaltered.Areas of the picture that are gray are the areas of interest in theframe or areas that need to be updated. Something in the Macroblock haschanged.

The key thing to understand is that when the Macroblock is referencedafter its instantiation, the algorithm is simply pointing to an area ofmemory known to contain this Macroblock. It is in this lookup processthat an embodiment of our invention resides. Our approach is to scalethe Macroblocks using the same techniques mentioned in the previoussection. We then store the Compressed Macroblock at a new memoryaddress. When a reference to the initial Macroblock arrives in thestream we redirect it to the new Macroblock location.

There is some spatial translation required as well. For example, ifMacroblock 21 is normally located at 360 pixels in and 240 pixels down(roughly the middle of the screen) and we are decreasing the size of theimage by 50% then the new location for Macroblock 21 is 180×120. TheMacroblock itself is smaller by the same factor. This allows us to scaleonly the parts of the image that are original and benefit from theefficiency of the original Compression by a reduction in processingequal to the reduction in space of the original image. Typically highquality MPEG2 carries a 4 to 6 times efficiency in space reduction. Allof the translation and frame structures in the original stream areexecuted through a simple memory lookup/modifications table that isstatic per any given VPG configuration.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of video scaling using the Macroblockpreprocessing technique. This technique results in a substantial savingsin processing power. Once the stream is assembled in this way aCompression algorithm creates the new stream from the virtual (i.e.existing only in memory) screen. This process is detailed in FIG. 12. Asyou may see in this example we achieve 72% efficiency in generating thescaled “P” frame versus if we simply reassembled the frame and thenscaled it. In this sample the average efficiency in the intermediate “B”frames is 92%. It is important to note the formula that determines theprocessing power required or rather the efficiency of this technique isas follows in EQUATION 1:

                                   EQUATION  1${\frac{\;{{{Size}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{Original}}\mspace{14mu}{{image}\mspace{14mu}{in}\mspace{14mu}{memory}}}}{{{Size}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{Compressed}}\;\mspace{14mu}{{image}\mspace{14mu}{in}\mspace{14mu}{memory}}}*\begin{matrix}{{Processing}\mspace{14mu}{required}\mspace{14mu}{to}\mspace{14mu}{scale}\mspace{14mu}{the}} \\{{video}\mspace{14mu} a\mspace{14mu}{complete}\mspace{14mu}{frame}\mspace{14mu}{at}\mspace{14mu} a\mspace{14mu}{time}}\end{matrix}} = {{Processing}\mspace{14mu}{required}\mspace{14mu}{in}\mspace{14mu}{this}\mspace{14mu}{technique}}$

In some VPG configurations such as the one detailed in FIG. 6 there is abackground graphic that is present. This graphic may be generated usingvarious methodologies and then loaded as the “background” for the memorythat holds the frames. There is no difference in the graphics memory orthe video memory once they have both been reduced to an uncompressedbinary stream. This allows very dynamic composites of data from a myriadof sources to be integrated with the video. This technique is detailedin FIG. 13, below. You may see in the drawing that the scaled video thatwould be derived from one of the techniques detailed above is simplygrafted over the memory allocated to buffer the video frame. While thisexample is a pseudo-static still image as a background, a full motionvideo backdrop may also be constructed by simply making sure that a fullframe video is copied into the memory buffer in the same way a stillimage is prior to memory compositing/overlaying.

FIG. 13 is a demonstration of the integration of the Macroblockpreprocessing technique with on screen graphics. For someimplementations of the VPG, the VPG has discrete audio streams on theirown transport stream available for “tuning” on the client side. This isaccomplished by de-multiplexing or otherwise tuning the audio from theoriginal stream, tagging it with timing information to keep it in syncwith the video stream and then re-streaming it out when the video hasbeen assembled and is ready for transport. While frame accurate timingmay not be possible as the video and the audio may be in separatetransport streams, acceptable accuracy is maintainable by buffermanagement on both the server and the client (STB).

The determination of which sources should be composited utilizing themethods described in detail in the above section may not bepre-determined. For example, utilizing data from a database or otherinformation source to “select” which channels are composited. In thescenario where Metadata is available for the streams, the VPG may beconstructed on the basis of a search of said Metadata. For example, ifall the streams in the system include genre information VPG screens mayautomatically be constructed to aggregate on that basis. For example, amajor broadcast network has many different types of content. At 6:00p.m. they have on their evening news but then at 7:00 p.m. a basketballgame starts. The “News” VPG would have that channel listed at 6:00 p.m.but it would not have it at 7:00 p.m. because that channel will have“moved” (or more accurately been discontinued and engaged elsewhere) tothe “Sports” VPG. The overall effect is that users will have the abilityto “browse by content”. Any other aspect of Metadata may be used ascontext for the creation of a new VPG screen. An individual users'Metadata may also be used to develop a context for a new VPG. Groupingsmay be created by Metadata from but are not limited to the program,user, location and channel.

We now turn to a discussion of an additional aspect of the presenttelecommunications system. Specifically, a communications/electricaldistribution system that minimizes space requirements for electrical andcommunication closets in new construction and permits the deployment ofcommunications and electrical upgrades in older buildings by deployingan integrated Ethernet communication network for communications andelectrical distribution functions.

The communications/electrical distribution system is set forth in FIG.15-20. The following definitions are helpful with regard with regard tothe elements shown in FIGS. 15-20. FIG. 15 illustrates severalelectronic components of the communications/electrical distributionsystem. FIG. 16 illustrates an advanced riser design showing centralizedEthernet powering and decentralized Ethernet powering.

Integrated Access Device (“IAD”)

An Ethernet switch located in or proximate to residential units. The IADpreferably includes the following elements, as illustrated in FIG. 15.

1) Multiple Ethernet ports, copper, fiber or both, and associatedelectronics circuitry to support Ethernet communications standards.

2) Circuitry and connectors to receive power over network wiring topower the IAD or to receive power from a dedicated power distributionsystem for the communications network.

3) Circuitry and connectors to power external communication andnon-communication devices.

4) All circuitry for sending and receiving power will be scaled to theprojected electrical loads required to power communications equipmentincluding Voice-Over Internet Protocol (VoIP″) Telephones andnon-communications devices such as life safety equipment.

5) Circuitry and connectors for the bidirectional transcription ofanalog to Voice-Over Internet Protocol (VoIP″) telephone calls and toprovide power to analog telephones.

6) The IAD may also include circuitry to disable ports automatically orby remote command accordance with a life-safety priority scheme.

Intermediate Floor Switch (“IFS”)

As illustrated in FIG. 16, for example, the IFS is preferably anEthernet switch located on each floor to route communications from andto IADs located in units to a Landing Switch. The IFS preferablyincludes the following elements:

1) Multiple Ethernet ports, copper, fiber or both, and associatedelectronics circuitry to support Ethernet communications standards.

2) Circuitry and connectors to receive power over network wiring topower the IFS or to receive power from a dedicated power distributionsystem for the ations network.

3) Circuitry and connectors to power external communication andnon-communication devices including IADs.

4) All circuitry for sending and receiving power will be scaled to theprojected electrical loads required to power communications equipmentincluding IADs and non-communications devices such as life safetyequipment.

5) Circuitry and connectors for the bidirectional transcription ofanalog to Voice-Over Internet Protocol (VoIP″) telephone calls andpowered speakers to provide fire annunciation systems.

6) Where IADs are not used, the IFS may also include circuitry andconnectors for the bidirectional transcription of analog to Voice-OverInternet Protocol (VoIP″) telephone calls and to provide power to analogtelephones in units.

Landing Switch (“LS”)

As illustrated in FIG. 16, for example, the LS is preferably an Ethernetswitch located within the building's demarcation area to routecommunications from a head-end switch to IFSs and IADs. The LSpreferably includes the following elements:

1) Multiple Ethernet ports, copper, fiber or both, and associatedelectronics circuitry to support Ethernet communications standards.

2) Circuitry and connectors to receive power from a dedicated powerdistribution system for the communications network.

3) Circuitry and connectors to power external communication andnon-communication devices including IFS and IADs if IFSs are not used.

4) All circuitry for sending and receiving power will be scaled to theprojected electrical loads required to power communications equipmentincluding IADs and non-communications devices such as life safetyequipment.

Head-End Switch (“HES”)

As illustrated in FIG. 16, for example, the HES is preferably anEthernet switch located at the head-end or intermediate geographicalareas (“Net Pops”) to route communications from peripheral networkelements that handle telephone service, digital video, high-speedInternet access and other communications services, all using InternetProtocol, to other HESs, LSs, IFSs and IADs comprising the network

Communications Network

The interconnection of HES, LS, IFS and IAD's to permit the distributionof voice, video and data services over an IP network including physicallayers such as Ethernet, SONET, DSL and ATM.

Ethernet Power Meter

As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, for example, the Ethernet power meteris preferably an electrical power meter comprised of circuitry tomonitor electrical consumption, wave form and other data and an Ethernetinterface permitting bidirectional communications over an Ethernetnetwork to permit electrical usage data and other information to bedownloaded. The Ethernet Power Meter may be mounted or integrated in theCircuit Breaker Box.

Circuit Breaker Box

As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, for example, the Circuit breaker boxis preferably a conventional a/c circuit breaker box containing manualcircuit breakers. The circuit breaker box is connected to the EthernetPower Meter. The circuit breaker box may also incorporate the followingelements:

1) Digital relays (“circuit breakers”) that may be tripped and reseteither locally via a soft data switch or remotely via commands sent overthe Ethernet network.

2) Memory and software enabling the Circuit Breaker Box to be controlledby the utility in accordance with a power prioritization scheme so thatcommunication and life-safety systems are maintained in the event of apower failure and so that other systems such as refrigerators andlimited lighting is maintained in the event of a brown-out.

Fire Annunciator

As illustrated in FIG. 16, for example, the fire annunciator ispreferably system whereby a speaker is connected using wires or cablesto the VoIP circuitry located in the IAD to allow police and firepersonnel to communicate with residents. Additionally, a microphone maybe incorporated and connected to the VoIP circuitry via wires or cableto conduct bidirectional communications with each unit.

Hard-Wired Smoke Detector

As illustrated in FIG. 16, for example, the hard wired smoke detector ispreferably a conventional smoke detector with a connector andelectronics that draws power from the communications network to operateand may comply with the power over Ethernet (POE) standard. TheHard-Wired Smoke detector will connect to the IAD, IFS or LS to drawpower. Ethernet communications circuitry may be incorporated intohard-wired smoke detector, although it is not required, to communicatealarm conditions and other status information over the network to amonitoring area.

Hard-Wired Heat Detector

As illustrated in FIG. 16, for example, the hard wired heat detector ispreferably a conventional heat detector with a connector and electronicsthat draws power from the communications network to operate and maycomply with the POE standard. The hard-wired heat detector will connectto an IAD, IFS or LS to draw power. Ethernet communications circuitrymay be incorporated into a Hard-Wired Heat detector to communicatealarms and other status information over the network to a monitoringarea.

Emergency Exit Signs & Other Life Safety Devices

A conventional Emergency Exit Sign with a connector and electronics thatdraws power from the communications network to operate and may complywith the POE standard. The hard-wired Emergency Exit Sign will connectto an IAD, IFS or LS to draw power. Versions of the Emergency Exit Signmay also incorporate other Life Safety devices. Ethernet communicationscircuitry may be incorporated into Emergency Exit Signs and Other LifeSafety Devices to report alarms and status information over the networkto a monitoring area.

E-911 Database

A central database containing unit numbers, port locations in units, MACaddresses and other information. In the event of a E-911 call, softwarewill immediately identify the address, unit number and room location ofthe call.

Emergency Panel

As illustrated in FIG. 16, for example, the emergency panel ispreferably an emergency panel located where required by local ordinancethat will provide either hard alarm information or computer displaysshowing alarms. The panel will also contain a fireman's telephoneinterface permitting fire personnel to access the functions of the fireannunciation system and check smoke detector and heat detector status inbuildings in which devices with these features are installed. Softwareis provided for the Emergency Panel system that will allow firepersonnel to utilize the annunciation system to access the entirebuilding, groups for floors, individual floors and or groups ofindividual units. Additionally, the Emergency Panel receives data fromthe Central UPS and contain power management software to communicatewith and control the circuit breaker boxes which incorporate digitalrelays.

Life Safety

Life Safety may include one or more of the following: fireannunciations, hard-wired smoke detectors, hard-wired heat detectors,hard wired monoxide detectors, hard-wired water sensors, hard-wiredsecurity systems including wired and wireless sensors, Exit Signs, E-911Database, Emergency Panel, medical patient monitoring devices, gasdetectors or other environmental detectors designed to protect people orproperty by sounding an alarm and or by communicating over acommunications network.

Central UPS

As illustrated in FIG. 16, for example, the Central UPS is preferably acentral Uninterruptible Power Source (UPS) or battery for the buildingthat will directly power all equipment on the Ethernet network. The UPSwill receive power via the AC power grid and or emergency generator ifrequired. The Central UPS will contain circuitry to detect and reportover the Ethernet network any power failures, brownouts or otherconditions requiring the reconfiguration of power use in the building.

IP Video Cameras

As illustrated in FIG. 16, for example, the IP video camera ispreferably a video camera with integrated encoders with an Ethernetinterface or a standard video camera connected to an encoder with anEthernet interface.

Ethernet Wiring

For the purpose of simplification, Ethernet Wiring refers to any datawiring currently used for or that may be developed for Ethernet. Cat-3,Cat-5, Cat-5e and Cat-6 copper wiring and single mode and multi-modefiber-optic wiring are examples of Ethernet Wiring. Similarly, diagramsthat refer to Cat-5 wiring may also include all other forms of Ethernetwiring as defined herein.

Retrofit of Existing Buildings

There are three communications system permutations for retrofittingexisting buildings with advanced communications to reconfigure riserusage. Each permutation is discussed below with regard to one of FIGS.17-19.

FIG. 17 illustrates a MATV riser deployed network 1700. As shown in FIG.17, all coaxial cable is removed from the MATV riser/conduit 1701 andfiber-optics is home run to each unit being served by the riser/conduit.The MATV riser fiber-optics entering a unit is cross connected to thein-unit circuit breaker panel 1702 by collocating the fiber in thecommon a/c electrical conduit with a/c electrical wiring. The IAD 1703is located next to or proximate to the existing circuit breaker paneland fiber-optic connections are run to a/c electrical outlets from theIAD using the existing a/c electrical conduit to provide communicationswithin the unit.

In this deployment, the network includes the HES 1704, LS 1705 and IAD.The IAD may be powered via common AC power protected by a battery backup1706 located in the unit. Alternatively, one pair of existing telephonewires 1707 may be reused to provide power to the IAD from a dedicatednetwork communications power source 1708. An IAD may also be located inthe Penthouse to transmit IP Video camera feeds 1709 and interfacebuilding automation equipment to the network. Ethernet power meterslocated in or next to the circuit breaker box 1702, hard-wired smokedetectors, hard-wired heat detectors, fire annunciators and other LifeSafety devices may be attached to the IAD to draw power from thecommunications network to operate and to communicate if necessary.Existing electrical service in the unit is interfaced to the circuitbreaker box and the Ethernet power meter. The Ethernet power meter isread via the Ethernet network. The old electrical meters in theelectrical closet are removed and replaced with small analog circuitbreakers to permit the complete shut-off of power to a unit in anemergency. By removing the power meters from the electrical closets, newelectrical service may be run into existing closets to upgrade service.

Benefits Where a Battery Backup is Used

Where the IAD is powered via AC and battery backup, the old publictelephone riser, house phone riser and coaxial cable wiring for videocameras may be removed. Emergency power may be redeployed in the oldrisers and vacated risers may be reserved for future use. Life-safety,emergency power, electrical service upgrades and power managementcapabilities may be deployed on the network together with advancedvoice, video and data service without the need to create new risers.While the extent and scope of services in the building increases, theamount of physical wiring is reduced.

Benefits Where Power Over Old Telephone Wiring is Used

Where the IAD is powered via the old telephone wiring, all of thebenefits listed above remain except that the telephone riser may not bereused.

FIG. 18 illustrates a new CAT-5 deployed vertical riser 1800. Asillustrated in FIG. 18, new vertical risers running through each unitare constructed and home-run Cat-5 is deployed to bring power andcommunications to each unit to serve each unit 1801. The Cat-5 cable isbrought next to the existing circuit breaker box 1802 via externalmounting or mounting under baseboard and is connected to the IAD 1803.In this deployment, the network includes of the HES 1804, LS 1805 andIAD.

The LS and IAD switch are powered over the network using the Cat-5 cablevia a dedicated network power source 1806. An IAD may also be located inthe Penthouse to transmit IP Video camera feeds 1807 and interfacebuilding automation equipment to the network. Life safety devices may beattached to the IADs to draw power and communicate over the network ifrequired 1808. Existing electrical service in the unit is interfaced tothe new digital circuit breaker box and or Ethernet power meter. TheEthernet power meter is read via the Ethernet network. The oldelectrical meters in the electrical closet are removed and replaced withsmall analog circuit breakers to permit the complete shut-off of powerto a unit in an emergency. By removing the power meters from theelectrical closets, new electrical service may be run into existingclosets to upgrade service.

Benefits of Vertical Deployed Cat-5 Riser

Although there is minimal construction, the complexity of feeding fiberthrough MATV risers is eliminated. Additionally, the IAD is powered viathe network. The old public telephone riser, house phone riser andcoaxial cable wiring for video cameras, and MATV coaxial may be reused.Emergency power may be redeployed in the old risers and other vacatedrisers may be reserved for future needs. Life-safety, emergency power,electrical service upgrades and power management may be deployedtogether with advanced voice, video and data service. While the extentand scope of services in the building increases, the amount of physicalwiring is reduced.

FIG. 19 illustrates a reconfigured public telephone or house phonedeployed vertical riser with new horizontal riser to the unit 1900. Asillustrated in FIG. 19, public telephone wiring or house phone wiring isremoved from vertical risers located in telephone distribution areaslocated on each floor 1901. Alternatively, sufficient new risers arecreated in a centralized location and covered using architectural facadewhere necessary 1901. Fiber-optic cable is brought to each floortogether with Cat-5 wiring to provide power and communications to theIFSs 1902. IFSs 1902 are connected to each other and to the LS 1903 tocreate a ring topology with fail-over capabilities.

Home-run Cat-5 cable is brought to each unit via horizontal hard conduitruns 1904 on each floor. The Cat-5 is brought next to or proximate tothe circuit breaker box and is connected to the IAD 1905. In thisdeployment, the network includes of the HES 1906, LS 1907, IFS 1902, andIAD 1905. The IFS and IAD switches are powered over the network or via adedicated communications power source 1910.

An IAD may also be located in the Penthouse to transmit IP video camerafeeds 1907 and interface building automation equipment to the network.Life safety devices may be attached to the IAD 1908 to draw power fromthe network to operate and to communicate if necessary. Existingelectrical service in the unit is interfaced to the new digital circuitbreaker box and or Ethernet power meter 1909. The Ethernet power meteris read via the Ethernet network. The old electrical meters in theelectrical closet are removed and replaced with small analog circuitbreakers to permit the complete shut-off of power to a unit in anemergency. By removing the power meters from the electrical closets, newelectrical service may be run into existing closets to upgrade service.

Benefits

Although there is minimal construction, all elements of the network arepowered and may be used to power non-communication devices that mightotherwise require dedicated wiring and lengthy wiring runs. The oldpublic telephone riser or house phone riser, the coaxial cable wiringfor video cameras and MATV coaxial may be removed. Emergency power maybe redeployed in the old risers and other vacated risers may be reservedfor future needs. Life-safety, emergency power, electrical serviceupgrades and power management capabilities may be deployed together withadvanced voice, video and data services.

Space Efficient Riser Design for New Construction Buildings

The above riser designs have been discussed in the context ofretrofitting existing riser designs. The above riser designs can also innew construction and yield the same benefits. Additionally, there arethree riser permutations of the above designs for new construction thatyield significant space and wiring savings, as further discussed below.

Integrated Vertical Fiber-Optic Electrical Riser

FIG. 20 illustrates an integrated vertical communications and electricalriser 2000. Where building heights permit the vertical distribution ofAC without significant line losses requiring a power bus andtransformers, a single home-run hard conduit is brought to each unit.Within the riser, a power cable 2001 is collocated with fiber optics2002. The power cable and fiber optics are brought to the circuitbreaker box which incorporates and Ethernet power meter 2003. TheEthernet Power meter is connected to the IAD 2004 and power usage isread over the network. A transformer is provided to convert AC to DC topower the IAD. The AC power supply for the building is tied into a UPSand emergency generator, if needed 2005. In this deployment, the networkincludes of the HES 2006, LS 2007, and IAD 2004. The LS and IAD switchare powered centrally. An IAD may also be located in the Penthouse totransmit IP video camera feeds (2008) and interface building automationequipment to the network. Life safety devices 2009 are connected to theIADs to draw power from the network to operate and can communicate overthe network if communications is required.

Benefits

This design allows all advanced communication, life safety, electricalpower and power management to be deployed while eliminating the need forcommunications and electrical closets to support units. The space savingallows developers to maximize rentable or salable square footage whileeliminating the cost of installing additional risers and wiring

Integrated Vertical & Horizontal IP Riser With Fiber & Cat-5 Wiring

The design set forth in FIG. 19 entitled “High-Rise Tree Riser AfterRiser Reconfiguration or in New Construction” and described above may beused in the construction of new risers for high-rise buildings.Fiber-optic cable is brought to each floor together with Cat-5 wiring toprovide power and communications to the IFSs 1901. IFSs 1902 areconnected to each other and to the LS 1903 to create a ring topologywith fail over capabilities. Home-run Cat-5 cable is brought to eachunit via horizontal hard conduit runs 1904 on each floor. The Cat-5 isbrought next to or proximate to the circuit breaker box and is connectedto the IAD 1905. In this deployment, the network includes of the HES1906, LS 1903, IFS 1902, and IAD 1905. The IFS and IAD switches arepowered over the network or via a dedicated communications power source.An IAD may also be located in the Penthouse to transmit IP video camerafeeds 1907 and interface building automation equipment to the network.Life safety devices may be attached to the IAD 1908. Electrical servicein each unit is interfaced to the new digital circuit breaker box 1909.

Integrated Vertical & Horizontal IP Riser With Cat-5 Wiring

The design set forth in FIG. 19 above entitled “High-Rise Tree RiserAfter Riser Reconfiguration or in New Construction” and described abovemay be used in the construction of new risers for high-rise buildings.The difference between this design and the design in the section above,is that the wiring run lengths do not exceed the rated distances forCat-5 and similar communications wiring. Where wiring lengths do notexceed the rated transmission standards, fiber-optic cable may bereplaced with Cat-5. Otherwise, the design is the same as described inthe section above.

Thus, at least one of the embodiments described above provides thefollowing:

1) Utilizes a single Ethernet network/wiring platform incorporatingpower transmission over the network to create a decentralized powerdistribution system to power Ethernet communication devices (telephone,digital television, high-speed Internet, video conferencing, videocameras, fire annunciators and building automation) and devices that arenot used for communications (hard-wired smoke detectors, hard-wired heatdetectors, exit signs and other life-safety alarms).

2) Utilizes Ethernet IADs and IFS as decentralized physical accesspoints to connect Ethernet devices (telephone, digital television,high-speed Internet, video conferencing, video cameras, fireannunciators and building automation) for power and communications anddevices not used for communication (hard-wired smoke detectors,hard-wired heat detectors, exit signs and other life-safety alarms) forpower.

3) Combines together Circuit Breaker Boxes, Ethernet Power Meters andIADs in a physical space located in or proximate to residential units oroffice suites to reduce the size or entirely eliminate the need forelectrical and communications closets.

Additionally, the following are regarded as novel in the embodimentsdiscussed above:

1) Ethernet electrical meters are physically located within residentialunits, office suites or located proximate thereto.

2) Ethernet electrical meters are cross connected to a Circuit BreakerBox located within residential units, office suites or proximate inorder to measure and monitor power usage and other relevant information.

3) Electrical meters incorporate a device or circuit to communicate viaEthernet or other communications standards over a communications networkin order to report usage and other information in a unidirectionalconfiguration or receive instructions in a bidirectional configuration.

4) Electrical meters are connected via copper wires, fiber-optics orwireless communications to IADs located in each unit or proximatethereto for the purpose of enabling unidirectional communications fromthe electrical meter to the IAD or bidirectional communication betweenthe two devices.

5) IADs located within units or proximate thereto communicate with anIFS and or a LS.

6) The LS communicates to the HES via copper, electrical and orfiber-optic connections.

7) The HES provides communications access via physical control panelsand or communications links to enable authorized third parties toreceive information in unidirectional configurations or sendinstructions and receive information in a bidirectional configuration.

Although the embodiments above detail the use of the communicationsnetwork with a MDU, which is a residential structure, the embodimentsabove may be applied to other types of structures as well. For example,the communications network may also be used in structures such asindustrial, commercial, office, or retail structures.

Additionally, although the embodiments discussed above reference ahigh-rise building, the implementation of the communication system isnot solely limited to a high-rise building and may be applied to anytype of buildings such as mid-rise, low-rise, single family andwarehouse structures.

Additionally, the powering of communications and non-communicationsdevices through the Ethernet network is not dependent upon locatingEthernet power meters, circuit breaker boxes and IADs in units. Thelocation of Ethernet power meters, circuit breaker boxes and IADs inunits is not dependent upon powering communications andnon-communications devices through the Ethernet network. The powering ofcommunications and non-communications devices through the Ethernetnetwork eliminates the need for discreet wiring for non-communicationlife-safety devices and reduces the distance those wires must run inorder to draw power to operate. The location of Ethernet power meters,circuit breaker boxes and IADs in units permits the retrofit of existingwires and or the creation of new risers that are more space efficientthan conventional electrical, telephone and cable TV risers.

While particular elements, embodiments, and applications of the presentinvention have been shown and described, it will be understood that theinvention is not limited thereto since modifications may be made bythose skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoingteachings. It is therefore contemplated by the appended claims to coversuch modifications and incorporate those features which come within thespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for navigating a plurality of videochannels, said method including: receiving a plurality of video channelsat a video program guide generator, said video channels including afirst video channel associated with a first video stream and a firstaudio stream and a second video channel associated with a second videostream and a second audio stream; generating a video program guidechannel including: a first video channel window displaying video basedon said first video stream, wherein said video displayed in said firstvideo channel window is encoded before it is placed in said first videochannel window in order to scale the display of said first video streamto fit in said first video channel window; a second video channel windowdisplaying video based on said second video stream, wherein said videodisplayed in said second video channel window is encoded before it isplaced in said second video channel window in order to scale the displayof said second video stream to fit in said second video channel window;said first audio stream; and said second audio stream; and transmittingsaid video program guide channel to a client device for display to auser, wherein said transmitting takes place over a network, wherein saidvideo program guide displays said first audio stream when said firstvideo channel window is selected by a user, and displays said secondaudio stream when said second video channel window is selected by auser, wherein both said first video channel window and said second videochannel window are displayed simultaneously without the use of multiplechannel tuners, wherein an event specific icon appears in at least oneof said first video channel window and said second video channel windowwhen a predetermined event associated with said event specific icon istaking place, has taken place, or is about to take place within theprogram that is currently showing in the video in said window.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 wherein said client device is a set top box.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein said client device is a computer.
 4. A methodfor navigating video programs, said method including: receiving aplurality of video channels at a video program guide generator, saidvideo channels including a first video channel associated with a firstvideo stream and a first audio stream and a second video channelassociated with a second video stream and a second audio stream;generating a first video program guide, wherein said first video programguide includes: a main video window displaying video information derivedfrom said first video stream; and a plurality of secondary videowindows, wherein at least one of said plurality of secondary videowindows displays video information derived from said second videostream; generating a second video program guide channel, wherein saidsecond video program guide channel includes: a main video windowdisplaying video information derived from said second video stream; anda plurality of secondary video windows, wherein at least one of saidplurality of secondary video windows displays video information derivedfrom said first video stream; and transmitting at least one of saidfirst video program guide channel and said second video program guidechannel over a network to a client device, where a user may optionallyselect either said first video program guide channel or said secondvideo program guide channel for display, wherein, when said first videoprogram guide is displayed, both said main video window and said atleast one of said plurality of secondary video windows are displayedsimultaneously without the use of multiple channel tuners, wherein anevent specific icon appears in at least one of said plurality ofsecondary video windows when a predetermined event associated with saidevent specific icon is taking place, has taken place, or is about totake place within the program that is currently showing in the video insaid at least one of said plurality of secondary video windows.
 5. Themethod of claim 4 wherein, when said main video window of said firstvideo program guide is selected, said first audio stream is displayed.6. The method of claim 4 wherein, when said main video window of saidsecond video program guide is selected, said second audio stream isdisplayed.
 7. The method of claim 4 wherein, when said main video windowof said first video program guide is selected, metadata associated withsaid first video channel is displayed.
 8. The method of claim 4 wherein,when said main video window of said second video program guide isselected, metadata associated with said second video channel isdisplayed.
 9. The method of claim 4 wherein at least one of said videoinformation derived from said first video stream and said videoinformation derived from said second video stream represents a scaledversion of its respective video channel.
 10. The method of claim 4,wherein when said first video program guide channel is displayed and asecondary window displaying video information derived from said secondvideo channel is selected, then said second video program guide channelis displayed.
 11. The method of claim 4, wherein when said second videoprogram guide channel is displayed and a secondary window displayingvideo information derived from said first video channel is selected,then said first video program guide channel is displayed.
 12. The methodof claim 4, wherein when said first video program guide channel isdisplayed and said main video window displaying video informationderived from said first video channel is selected, then said first videochannel is displayed.
 13. The method of claim 4, wherein when saidsecond video program guide channel is displayed and said main videowindow displaying video information derived from said second videochannel is selected, then said second video channel is displayed. 14.The method of claim 7 wherein said metadata includes information withregard to statistical information relating to the content of said firstvideo channel.
 15. A method for generating a video programming guidechannel, said method including: receiving, at a video program guidegenerator, a first video channel including a first video stream and afirst audio stream; receiving, at said video program guide generator, asecond video channel including a second video stream and a second audiostream; generating, at said video program guide generator, a videoprogram guide channel, wherein said video program guide channelincludes: a first video channel window displaying video representing asubset of said first video stream; a second video channel windowdisplaying video representing a subset of said second video stream; saidfirst audio stream; and said second audio stream; transmitting saidvideo program guide to a client device for display to a user, whereinsaid transmitting takes place over a network, wherein said first audiostream is displayed when said first video channel window is selected bysaid user and said second audio stream is displayed when said secondvideo channel window is selected by said user, wherein, when said videoprogram guide is displayed, both said first video channel window andsaid second video channel window are displayed simultaneously withoutthe use of multiple channel tuners; and displaying an event specificicon in at least one of said first video channel window and said secondvideo channel window when a predetermined event associated with saidevent specific icon is taking place, has taken place, or is about totake place within the program that is currently showing in the video insaid window.